The Transatlantic Eversheds Sutherland merger becomes official

It’s official. We’ll soon see the birth of a megafirm by way of transatlantic merger – Eversheds Sutherland.

Eversheds and Sutherland announce that both the partnerships of the soon-to-be-married firms “have voted overwhelmingly to combine”.

The merger comes quickly after whirlwind talks were confirmed by the firms to Australasian Lawyer just at the end of last month.

“Both firms appreciate that there will be interest in the subject but it would be inappropriate to comment further until discussions with each firm’s partnership have concluded,” the firms said then.

It appears the discussions went as smoothly as possible and a vote was reached just two weeks after the confirmation.

“The firms’ consultation and voting process concluded simultaneously on December 16 with exceptionally strong approval from the respective Partnerships,” the firms said.

“The firms will become equal members in a new entity and will do business around the world as Eversheds Sutherland,” they added.

Both firms will begin using the Eversheds Sutherland identity on 1 February 2017, with joint CEOs leading a six-strong global management team, overseen by a global Board of ten with equal representation from both firms, helming the new behemoth.

“There are no significant internal structural changes anticipated within either firm and respective practice group heads will work together to co-lead client initiatives,” the firms noted.

Eversheds Sutherland will have 2,300 lawyers working out of 61 offices in 29 countries. The combination will put Eversheds Sutherland in the UK’s top 10 and in the top 40 in U.S. and global listings.

Eversheds Chief Executive, Bryan Hughes, commented: “Our strategic desire to have a platform in the U.S. has long been public record. The challenge has been finding the right firm, particularly one that shares the same vision as us and is a strong cultural fit. In Sutherland, we have found that firm. Eversheds Sutherland will give each firm’s clients a truly global platform, including strong U.S. coverage. The feedback from colleagues and clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with many opportunities already identified, and we are very confident that this will be a great outcome for our clients and our people.”

Sutherland Managing Partner, Mark Wasserman, commented: “With this exciting combination, we will be able to offer clients of both firms the highest quality service and support around the world for their most important business opportunities. Over the past months, we have had the opportunity to get to know our colleagues at Eversheds well. Both firms are focused on providing innovative, effective and efficient service in a changing global environment while maintaining cultures that value diversity, involvement in our communities and the importance of caring for our people. We look forward to building on the success of both firms as we work together for the future benefit of our clients and colleagues.”